Background & Education
more about me as a human being
I’m from Manteo, a tiny town on a tiny island on the Outer Banks. I live there still. I love many many things this planet has to offer, including sunshine, the ocean, hiking, the southwestern US, personal dance parties, live music, yoga, writing, reading, astrology, and learning about consciousness.
I enjoy the teachings of Ram Dass, the music of Phish, and the celebration of life in all its glory that is being the mother of a four-and-a-half year-old Scorpio child. I’m a bisexual woman married to an awesome man who keeps me grounded and holds the keys to the wisdom of the ages (unless we are arguing, in which case I am always right.)
I’ll curse with you, laugh with you, talk with you about anything in the world - I’ve seen it all and heard it all, and I’m not here to judge. To be honest, there is a period of my life of which I do not remember much, and while I jokingly refer to them as “the lost years”, I’m seriously grateful to have made it out the other side. You cannot shock me, and I will always give you the benefit of the doubt.
more about my education and training
I graduated from Manteo High School in 2004 and finished my undergrad at ECU in 2010 with a Bachelor’s in psychology and a minor in philosophy.
I moved back to Manteo after college, working as a barista, server, bartender and receptionist until I felt ready to jump into my lifelong dream of becoming a therapist.
I earned my Master’s in clinical mental health counseling from Adams State University in 2019, and I’m licensed in North Carolina as a clinical mental health counselor (NC#15120). I enjoyed work as a clinical mental health counselor at a community organization and a group practice for five years before deciding to follow my heart into this current solo adventure.
I have been blessed with the gift of Reiki in my life since being introduced to my beloved teacher kara emmý in 2018. I received my first attunement in the Usui/Tibetan Reiki Rhoyo that year, going on to receive my Master Level attunement in 2022. I have shared Reiki throughout the community over the years and I am honored to offer it as a key component of truly holistic psychotherapy for my clients.
Clinical Framework
My therapy practice is rooted in a unique and integrative clinical framework that draws from a rich blend of classical and depth psychological theories, including Transpersonal Theory, Jungian Psychology, Energy Psychology, Somatic Theory, Existential-Humanistic Theory, Positive Psychology, and Person-Centered Theory.
In our sessions, my priority is to create a space where you feel deeply held in genuine compassion, experiencing unconditional positive regard, empathy, and authenticity (Person-Centered).
Rather than focusing on "fixing" or eliminating challenges, we’ll work together to illuminate and embrace your inherent strengths and virtues, empowering you to build a life of meaning, satisfaction, and purpose (Positive Psychology).
We will explore your experiences and reflections on the spiritual and mystical dimensions of life, including non-ordinary states of consciousness (Transpersonal). Reiki is helpful with this!
With curiosity and good humor, we will learn all we can about your unique journey toward authentic individuation, integrating the conscious, subconscious, and unconscious parts of your psyche to achieve a state of psychological wholeness (Jungian).
We will consider and promote the vital connection between your bioenergetic field and your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors (Energy Psychology), while tuning into the sensations, movements, and language of your body to deepen understanding and healing (Somatic Theory). This is what I mean by intuitive development - getting to know your unique system of subtle knowledge and how that knowledge is communicated to you through your physical and psychic experiences.
Most importantly, we will approach your journey with the belief that being human is both profound and fascinating. Even amidst life’s difficulties and pain, we can find meaning, fulfillment, and wonder when we approach life with presence, curiosity, and a broad perspective (Existential-Humanistic).